Laptop vs. Tablet Laptop PC

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I am entering class 2013 at LECOM Erie and was wondering if I should go with a really good Toshiba laptop or an alright HP tablet pc. Suggestions?!
 
I have a tablet that is given to us and I'm still not sure about it. I think part of the problem is that I'm a linux and osx person and it pains me to use vista. Its ok overall I guess. I use the tablet stuff once in a while but sometimes it is just too cumbersome. I feel like I'd much rather print off the slides and write on them instead of being tethered to my laptop all the time.
 
I absolutely ADORE my tablet. I write on the ppts on my computer in any color/thickness i want. I can highlight in every color of the rainbow without buying extra pens. And when your school sends you paperwork to print out, sign, and return, you can sign it with your tablet pen and send it back via email in minutes.

If mac had put out a tablet, I would have bought it no matter what the price. But they don't, so I got the Lenovo tablet. I have used the HP and find it needs a heavier hand to get the ink on the "paper". I like the light feel of my Lenovo. I haven't used a Toshiba tablet, so I have no opinion there, sorry.

My next computer will be either another tablet or a mac (and hopefully both in one package).
 
If you're in the LDP or PBL pathway I would recommend a tablet.
It was really useful for lectures by Dr. Kulesza (who you'll have A LOT as a 1st year) b/c he loves to have elaborate drawings.

Here is the one I have: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-yFhjbQEMM

Lenovo is hands down the best computer I have ever owned.
 
This probably belongs in the technology forum, but I'd say that you should go with a Tablet PC. That's the way of the future, especially as it relates to electronic health records (EHRs). The earlier you get used to using a tablet PC, the more efficient you'll become. This can translate to tremendous benefits when you're busy in the office/clinic.
 
I never used the tablet function on my laptop. I know one guy in our class who did, and it wasn't all that often. Wish I had my $200 extra back. But just my 2 cents.
 
mdjkim said:
This probably belongs in the technology forum, but I'd say that you should go with a Tablet PC. That's the way of the future, especially as it relates to electronic health records (EHRs). The earlier you get used to using a tablet PC, the more efficient you'll become. This can translate to tremendous benefits when you're busy in the office/clinic.
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ATSU-SOMA requires its students to buy the Lenovo X200 PC. I bought mine in anticipation for classes which start in a few weeks, but haven't been able to fully explore it yet. Lately, almost every doctor I've seen has had a tablet PC, which also makes me want to figure them out now instead of later when I'm in the room with the patient.

Dr. Kim gets me all psyched up through his blog to figure it out and become more proficient with its features. Here is one of his latest posts which I found interesting.

http://www.mobilehealthcomputing.com/2009/06/why-use-tablet-pc-in-medical-world.html
 
I have a MacBook Air. No tablets for me. I think most of the time, you won't even use the tablet function in class.
 
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rc4ch said:
I have a MacBook Air. No tablets for me. I think most of the time, you won't even use the tablet function in class.
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If you want a Mac, of course, you can't get a tablet - so there's not much to discuss there. But as to using it as a laptop most of the time - that's the advantage of a convertible tablet - it's a laptop, which is quicker and easier to use in a lot of situations (75% of the time), but it's also a tablet, which is quicker and easier to use in a lot of situations (maybe 25% of the time).
 
The newest HP tablet (T2X) is a great machine and is cheap as fae as laptops are concerned. Tablets have a bunch of features that make them perfect for medical school. The only problem is that you have to read the instruction manual (as well as the one-note guide) to use them well.

Windows 7 is coming out soon, and is absolutely amazing. The search function is great from the desktop, and is even better in one-note. It really increases the tablet functionality, and will allow you to go paperless. It will take some getting used to, but it is a great option.

Get a tablet, you won't regret it if you take advantage of the features.
 
I lovvvee my tablet...it is extremely useful when taking notes on powerpoint presentations...There are so many uses that I cannot imagine myself without it...I had my tablet stolen recently, and I had to run out and buy another one. I cannot see myself getting through med school without one (O know that is a slight exaggeration 🙂
*P.S. Be sure to purchase renter's insurance, U never know when you may need to claim something asw important as a missing laptop!!!
 
Doctor D. said:
I lovvvee my tablet...it is extremely useful when taking notes on powerpoint presentations...There are so many uses that I cannot imagine myself without it...I had my tablet stolen recently, and I had to run out and buy another one. I cannot see myself getting through med school without one (O know that is a slight exaggeration 🙂
*P.S. Be sure to purchase renter's insurance, U never know when you may need to claim something asw important as a missing laptop!!!
Click to expand...


how do u annotate on pdf/word like we can do on ppt?
 
I used my tablet features CONSTANTLY. And apparently it made such an impression on my classmates that from me having the only tablet first year there were at least 8 or 10 by the end of second year. I love love love my tablet. I could do drawings without lugging around extra pens and I could "extend" my paperspace when the drawing started coming close to the edge. love love love the tablet.

Dr. Cross at LMU-Debusk asked to play with my tablet and he was key in ensuring LMU students were issued a tablet. (apparently it made an impression on him too.)

As for annotating on pdf files, you can either get adobe professional or "print" to onenote and annotate on that.
 
We had to get tablet at our school. I'd say the only benefit to them is being able to write directly on powerpoint slides without having to print them out. This saves you time and money on ink.
 
do u guys know of any software that can enhance tablet experience/
 
First off, I would agree with the majority and go with the tablet. Being able to draw is very nice, along with highlighting, like Shy said. LMU-DCOM switched over to the Lenovo tablets and they are very nice. We had our Gateways replaced with the widescreen Lenovo, which is the machine I would recommend. Yeah, you may use it as a laptop most of the time, but when you need the writing feature, its a God-send.


MDpride said:
do u guys know of any software that can enhance tablet experience/
Click to expand...

As for enhancing the tablet experience, I would HIGHLY recommend Microsoft's OneNote program. It is amazing. Its an electronic notebook that you can organize however you want...print powerpoints, pdf, word docs, really anything you can think of, right into your "notebook," even add additional images you find helpful that you grab off the internet, or end up drawing yourself. For me, the best feature is that is automatically saves every 30 seconds, unlike powerpoint where you have to click save. So if something were to happen, then you only miss 30 seconds of work, rather than a whole lecture. Also, you can search within OneNote, which is very nice when studying. You can also "tag" slides, text, writing, pictures, whatever you want and search for only the tagged items, making condensing info much easier, or just making sure to mark something that is very important to remember.
 
nascardoc said:
First off, I would agree with the majority and go with the tablet. Being able to draw is very nice, along with highlighting, like Shy said. LMU-DCOM switched over to the Lenovo tablets and they are very nice. We had our Gateways replaced with the widescreen Lenovo, which is the machine I would recommend. Yeah, you may use it as a laptop most of the time, but when you need the writing feature, its a God-send.




As for enhancing the tablet experience, I would HIGHLY recommend Microsoft's OneNote program. It is amazing. Its an electronic notebook that you can organize however you want...print powerpoints, pdf, word docs, really anything you can think of, right into your "notebook," even add additional images you find helpful that you grab off the internet, or end up drawing yourself. For me, the best feature is that is automatically saves every 30 seconds, unlike powerpoint where you have to click save. So if something were to happen, then you only miss 30 seconds of work, rather than a whole lecture. Also, you can search within OneNote, which is very nice when studying. You can also "tag" slides, text, writing, pictures, whatever you want and search for only the tagged items, making condensing info much easier, or just making sure to mark something that is very important to remember.
Click to expand...


Do you know how to fix the memory problem with Onenote?
 
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after printing PDF to WINDOWS JOURNAL, i am facing following problem:

Converted Windows journal files won't open sometimes. I get Journal not responding message.
 
rddoms said:
The newest HP tablet (T2X) is a great machine and is cheap as fae as laptops are concerned. Tablets have a bunch of features that make them perfect for medical school. The only problem is that you have to read the instruction manual (as well as the one-note guide) to use them well.

Windows 7 is coming out soon, and is absolutely amazing. The search function is great from the desktop, and is even better in one-note. It really increases the tablet functionality, and will allow you to go paperless. It will take some getting used to, but it is a great option.

Get a tablet, you won't regret it if you take advantage of the features.
Click to expand...

I hate my tablet. Hate it. I know how to use all the functionality but I just don't care. I hate being tethered to a computer. I hate having to read everything off of a screen. We were "given" a Lenovo tablet and my motherboard already fried. Onenote is ok but really, my handwriting is crap and it doesn't help on that either.

I actually only use my tablet for school functions since they require it. Most other times I stick with my macbook or multitude of desktops. I type faster than I could ever write for one thing, but I also don't draw enough to warrant it.
 
You'll find folks who love and folks who hate the tablet. I find people who are mac folks absolutely abhor anything that isn't a mac (as a general rule), while pc folks tend to like the tablet more.

Now, I have a Lenovo tablet. But had mac made a tablet, I would have bought it. In a heartbeat. I would have paid even $3K for it. And yet still mac has no tablet, and since my Lenovo is working so well (I have had zero issues even after 3 years of daily abuse) coupled with the fact that now I'm broke, even if mac came out with a tablet this year I wouldn't be able to afford it. 🙁
 
ShyRem said:
I absolutely ADORE my tablet. I write on the ppts on my computer in any color/thickness i want. I can highlight in every color of the rainbow without buying extra pens. And when your school sends you paperwork to print out, sign, and return, you can sign it with your tablet pen and send it back via email in minutes.

If mac had put out a tablet, I would have bought it no matter what the price. But they don't, so I got the Lenovo tablet. I have used the HP and find it needs a heavier hand to get the ink on the "paper". I like the light feel of my Lenovo. I haven't used a Toshiba tablet, so I have no opinion there, sorry.

My next computer will be either another tablet or a mac (and hopefully both in one package).
Click to expand...

Great quote, especially becuase I truly want to believe that buying an expensive tablet for medical school will be the smart thing to do (i.e. not wasting, carrying huge amounts of paper, easier to reference notes, etc.).

Any advice on WHAT to purchase and how you use your tablet for taking notes would be much appreciated!
 
If you want a tablet experience but don't want to worry about scratching up the screen then look into getting a Wacom Bamboo tablet. I bought one for $90 and I plug it in my laptop and can write on ppts, word docs, etc. It's very small and fits in my laptop easily. It was a good compromise and it cost me less to buy it this way than to buy a tablet pc. Plus all the tablets I have seen have screens less than 13" and I wanted at least a 14.4" screen
 
So this is a little off topic but what's the general take on netbooks for medical school?

I was thinking of getting a powerful desktop built for me and then getting a netbook for class/on the go use. I just hope that they are powerful enough for online streaming lectures and other applications I may need to use.
 
I have a tablet but I rarely used the tablet function now. It was helpful to take notes on power point presentations during 1st/2nd year, but I rarely use it now.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone 🙂 I think I will get a better perspective asking this question in my school's forum.
 
Still hate my tablet. I just print off notes and write on them. I spend less time that way and stay focused when i do go to class. I can't read my handwriting when I do use it. I also hate reading off computer screens though.
 
Kramerica said:
So this is a little off topic but what's the general take on netbooks for medical school?

I was thinking of getting a powerful desktop built for me and then getting a netbook for class/on the go use. I just hope that they are powerful enough for online streaming lectures and other applications I may need to use.
Click to expand...

My thoughts on this are that it could be an easy, light way to take notes, but it probably won't be useful at schools that require a laptop to take test/quiz at school--just b/c I don't know if there would be system requirements.
 
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My tablet is my constant companion. I can't imagine life without it. I actually concentrate in classes better... I don't know why. To each their own.
 
I'd imagine by this time next week, we will see Apple unveil the replacement to all the current tablet pc's out on the market with the "islate/itablet/ipad/whatever. Though it's major downside will no doubt be it's price.
 
Medbear said:
I'd imagine by this time next week, we will see Apple unveil the replacement to all the current tablet pc's out on the market with the "islate/itablet/ipad/whatever. Though it's major downside will no doubt be it's price.
Click to expand...

I've heard that the idea will be to package it with cellular service, ala the iPhone and work to reduce the price that way. Whereas the iPhone costs AT&T ~$600, they sell it for ~$200 with a two year service commitment. The rumor is to do something similar with iTablet (or whatever) and reign the price into something between the cost of the iPhone and that of the MacBook.
 
Physio Doc 2 Be said:
I've heard that the idea will be to package it with cellular service, ala the iPhone and work to reduce the price that way. Whereas the iPhone costs AT&T ~$600, they sell it for ~$200 with a two year service commitment. The rumor is to do something similar with iTablet (or whatever) and reign the price into something between the cost of the iPhone and that of the MacBook.
Click to expand...

Why would people want/need cellular service with a computer?
 
ShyRem said:
Still love my tablet.
Click to expand...

I think I've just had far too many problems with mine to enjoy it. I can't read my handwriting well to begin with, but when combined with losing everything on onenote and then having it magically reappear a month later, the hinge going out, all sorts of weird screen stuff and being bulkier than my previous laptop, it just has been miserable. I've also had the hardware meltdown and had it shipped off just to get it back and have the USB port go bad. I also hate reading off a computer screen.

Plenty of my classmates love it but I have pretty exacting standards when it comes to computers.
 
Medbear: you know apple will move faster than that. 😀

ShyRem said:
I absolutely ADORE my tablet. I write on the ppts on my computer in any color/thickness i want. I can highlight in every color of the rainbow without buying extra pens. And when your school sends you paperwork to print out, sign, and return, you can sign it with your tablet pen and send it back via email in minutes.

If mac had put out a tablet, I would have bought it no matter what the price. But they don't, so I got the Lenovo tablet. I have used the HP and find it needs a heavier hand to get the ink on the "paper". I like the light feel of my Lenovo. I haven't used a Toshiba tablet, so I have no opinion there, sorry.

My next computer will be either another tablet or a mac (and hopefully both in one package).
Click to expand...


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35085524/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/?GT1=43001


there it is.

a mac tablet.
 
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Cybii said:
From what I've read this is not a pen-based tablet computer... which really disappoints me. I would love to be able to mark up .pdf and .ppts. You also have to pay anything between $14-30 a month to AT&T use the internet and all the features. That doesn't jive with me.
Click to expand...
It has wifi. With the number of hotspots available these days, 3G broadband is a total waste of money unless you plan on using it outdoors, in the car, or something like that (Every school I researched offered wifi within the building.) I bet a plastic stylus would work with it, and I'm sure Apple's already considering one or something like it as an accessory to sell.
 
Our school requires us to get a specific HP tablet. I hated this idea at first (being a pen and paper person before), but now I have trouble finding a pen because I use the tablet almost exclusively.

I use OneNote to organize my stuff. Here is an example of what my particular organization looks like:

http://s101.photobucket.com/albums/m67/jlwindor/?action=view&current=onenoteorg.jpg

I dont know of any one person at our school that organizes their notebook the same way. In lecture I dont take notes (just concentrate on understanding). Afterward I take notes from the powerpoints and other readings. As you can see the handwriting is awful, but I can honestly say that this is not terribly different then pen and paper. OneNote is pretty powerful.

That being said, it took getting used to. If you arent willing to work with it, then I'd recommend not buying one. Also, if you do buy one, I would recommend an external hard drive so that you can back up EVERY DAY so that in case something terrible happens, you have access to your notes. I use a program called SyncToy for that. If you can get one with Windows 7 and not Vista, then that would be excellent. Ours came with a dock and a spare power bar, so I leave the dock at home hooked up to my flash drive and my external hard drive, and when I get home I just plop it on there, sync it up, and let it charge. Somebody mentioned it above, but I will say that I am tethered to this thing pretty much all of the time. But it is handy. Its like a significant other 🙂.
 
Last edited:
The Apple iPad will not work for medical school. That is something you get when you are in clinicals and don't need much more. I will probably get one when rotations start (I'm addicted to my iPhone), but it won't work for basic sciences.

http://www.tabletpcreview.com is a good site to look at tablet reviews. The cheapest one that will work is the HP:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s...oslp/psg/notebooks/Ultra-Portable/tm2t_series

This recently came out, and is the successor to the HP tx2. It is definitely an improvement, and is the cheapest tablet at $949 (as far as I know). It has plenty of horsepower, and they finally got rid of the plastic chassis.

Tablets are great if you can convince yourself to actually use it, but are definitely not worth it if you can't.
 
I'm not sure if netbooks have the horsepower to do lecture streaming, etc. I'd get the new HP tablet over a netbook any day, even if I weren't using the tablet features. It is a fully functional laptop, and netbooks are lacking as far as I'm concerned.
 
How about the ASUS EEE Slate vs the Acer Aspire as5745-7247?

Asus pros: removable tablet (huge benefit, can one-note directly onto lecture slides). very lightweight. able to use regular keyboard when needed. fast processor.

Asus cons: mucho dinero $$$. small hard drive. short battery life. small screen (will I have to squint a lot to study from this thing?).

Acer pros: inexpensive. powerful processor. nice screen size.

Acer cons: not a tablet.

Any thoughts?
 
rddoms said:
The Apple iPad will not work for medical school. That is something you get when you are in clinicals and don't need much more. I will probably get one when rotations start (I'm addicted to my iPhone), but it won't work for basic sciences.

http://www.tabletpcreview.com is a good site to look at tablet reviews. The cheapest one that will work is the HP:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s...oslp/psg/notebooks/Ultra-Portable/tm2t_series

This recently came out, and is the successor to the HP tx2. It is definitely an improvement, and is the cheapest tablet at $949 (as far as I know). It has plenty of horsepower, and they finally got rid of the plastic chassis.

Tablets are great if you can convince yourself to actually use it, but are definitely not worth it if you can't.
Click to expand...

dude several people use the ipad for basic sciences in medical school (I personally know several who swear by it) It may not work for you but that doesnt translate to everyone. You can open up your powerpoints and annotate right on the side (just dont be cheap and get a good stylus, I recomment the boxwave)
 
Can any current med students give insight into electronic textbook availability for use on ipad or other devices?
 
I would buy Asus Laptop. Depends on the model, they have 2 years global warranty + 1 year accidental warranty. If you purchase with certain credit card , it extend your warranty for 1 more year.
 
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